Method and device for operating tank farm systems which are interconnected with pipes in a fixed manner and which have pipe systems for liquids

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for operating tank farm systems, which are interconnected with pipes in a fixed manner and which have pipe systems for liquids, particularly for use in systems which are subject to high microbiological quality requirements and which are used for processing and transferring products in the foodstuffs and beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, and biotech industry. The invention provides that the supply and discharge of liquids into and out of the respective tank ensues from underneath, and that the liquids that are being supplied or discharged flow through a space which is directly connected to the respective tank contents and which is situated underneath the respective tank in a switchable manner, and in a manner that ensures mixing, from the pipes of the pipe system that lead to this space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and device for operating tank farmsystems in a fixedly piped interconnection with piping systems forliquids, particularly for use in plants subjected to highmicrobiological quality requirements for product treatment and forproduct transfer in the foodstuff and beverage industries, pharmacy, andbiotechnology.

The microbiological requirements which are made nowadays to productionplants in the field of the foodstuff and beverage industries, pharmacy,and biotechnology grow to the extent at which measuring procedures toestablish microbiological loads are improved and the limits ofdetectability are reduced for substances of any types. As a typicalexample, which is also vicarious for other applications, the documentquotes fermentation processes below (e.g. the fermentation sector inbrewhouses). Problems will occur here when the setup and arrangement ofpiping between fermentation tanks and their peripheries, in aninteraction with production flows, cause situations which create anenvironment that encourages the growth of germs. The piping conceptsemployed nowadays in this sector in conjunction with a tank farm systeminvolve relevant hazard potentials which should be taken into accountand should be eliminated, if possible, already in devising such plantconcepts. The piping concepts which are favored nowadays are briefly setforth below and indications are made to show where actions areindispensable, taking into consideration the steadily risingmicrobiological quality requirements.

The relevant art which probably is the most widespread one in theaforementioned sector will be depicted below by the example of a tankfarm system 1 (FIG. 1) of a brewhouse that comprises five fermentationtanks 1.1 to 1.n. Their number may be readily extended, for which reasonthe fifth tank is designated as 1.n. Each of the tanks 1.1 to 1.n isjoined to a first filling pipe line 2.1 (a so-called functional line)for filling F1 (wort WZ) and a second filling pipe line 2.2 for fillingF2 (yeast H), an emptying pipe line 3 for emptying E1 (new beer J) orfor emptying E2 (yeast expulsion H*), a cleaning pipe line 4 fortank/pipe cleaning R1 (cleansing agent R), and a pipe cleaning 12discharge line for pipe cleaning R2 (cleansing agent R). The junctionsat which incompatible media could oppose each other (product P ingeneral, representing wort WZ or yeast H or new beer J, for example, anda cleansing agent R each) are fitted with so-called mix-proof valves. Inthe present example, this is a second valve 7.2.1.1 to 7.2.1.n whicheach separates a tank discharge line 8.1.1* to 8.1.n*, in which therespective tank volume is for the tanks 1.1 to 1.n, from a respectivedischarge line 8.1.1 to 8.1.n that leads to a so-called valve block VB.The embodiment of FIG. 1 represents a technically improved pipingversion already; simpler versions will be briefly outlined below.

The simplest piping system, which is not shown, is to combine thefunctions of filling F1, F2, emptying E1, E2, and tank and pipe leaningR1, R2 in the central valve block VB and to lead the tank dischargelines 8.1.1* to 8.1.n* to this valve block VB in different lengthswithout intercalating the aforementioned second valves 7.2.1.1 to7.2.1.n. Although such an arrangement will result in a relatively shorttraverse distance a₁ between so-called traverses 9.1.1 to 9.1.n+1 of thevalve block VB, but also a relatively long tank discharge line 8.1.1* to8.1.n*, at least in part, from the individual tank 1.1 to 1.n. In such amanner of installation, the tank discharge line 8.1.1* to 8.1.n* and thetraverse 9.1.1 to 9.1.n each associated therewith of the valve block VBform part of the respective tank 1.1 to 1.n. Here, the drawback is thatthe tank volume in the respective tank 1.1 to 1.n inevitably is also thecontents each of the tank discharge line 8.1.1* to 8.1.n* associatedtherewith and the traverse 9.1.1 to 9.1.n which joins it, and that thisportion takes part in the treatment process (the fermentation process,in this embodiment) in the tank 1.1 to 1.n only to a very limited degreebecause of the geometry and arrangement conditions, which also resultsonly in a restricted exchange of substance there.

The foregoing drawbacks can be mitigated somewhat if the tank dischargelines 8.1.1* to 8.1.n* are laid at a slope as large as possible to thevalve block VB. As a result, a certain convection and, thus, a stirringaction which favors the exchange of substances will arise because of thegas bubbles rising up to the respective tank 1.1 to 1.n within eachassociated tank discharge line 8.1.1* to 8.1.n*.

However, the main problem encountered for the tank 1.1 to 1.n fixedlypiped to the valve block VB, that cannot be disconnected in each case inits tank discharge line 8.1.1* to 8.1.n* leading to the valve block VB,substantially is that is it impossible to provide for an expulsion ofthe product P and a separate cleaning R1 of the tank discharge lines8.1.1* to 8.1.n* and the associated traverses 9.1.1 to 9.1.n.

In such an arrangement, for example, if the tank 1.2 is filled with wortWZ the end of the filling line (the first filling pipe line 2.1 here)between the valves V₁₂ and V₁₆ of the valve block VB and the end of thetraverse 9.1.2 between the valve V₁₂ and a valve V₅₂ will be filled aswell. Those line volumes virtually would not allow to be expelled andwound not even if a so-called expulsion device A1 extending from aexpulsion pipe line 6 was passed into the tank, which is tank 1.2 in thepresent case. As a result, there is a non-definable mix in the traverse9.1.2 that consists of wort WZ, possibly yeast H if yeast was meteredafter wort had been added, and expulsion water. This mix will remainthere until the tank 1.2 is emptied and cleaned again after a few days.

From brewhouse technological interconnections, it has been known, andcannot be ruled out either, that the wort WZ contains germs which cannotbe found to exist as long as they are suppressed by an active outerfield of the yeast H. Such slumbering germs, however, begin to multiplyas soon as favorable conditions arise for a relevant propagation. Forexample, such conditions are created by the fact that the mix of wortWZ, yeast H, and expulsion water W, which is in the respective traverse9.1.1 to 9.1.n, will heat up because of the hot cleaning (at 85 to 90°C.) of the functional lines that takes place every day. Temperatures upto 35° C. will then be readily achieved there so that this createsoptimal conditions for germ multiplication depending on the germ strain,all the more so as the yeast H, after reaching the final fermentationlevel, is no longer active and will settle. As a result, the yeast stopsits germicidal performance. The germs which thus multiply without anycontrol and virtually cannot be reached are entrained into other tanksand production areas be-cause of the emptying, yeast extraction, andrepumping operations that succeed, and will be a burden on the product.

The version illustrated in FIG. 1, which is technically improved ascompared to the foregoing, simpler piping version, allows to subject aportion of the discharge line 8.1.1** to 8.1.n** and the respectivedischarge line 8.1.1 to 8.1.n which joins it to separate pipe cleaningR1 via a tank cleaning feed line 11.1.1 to 11.1.n irrespective of acleaning of the respective tanks 1.1 to 1.n. This is always accomplishedvia a first valve 7.1.1.1 to 7.1.1.n and the second valve 7.2.1.1 to7.2.1.n of which the first one separates the first portion of thedischarge line 8.1.1** to 8.1.n** from the cleaning pipe line 4 and thesecond one which separates this portion from each succeeding dischargeline 8.1.1 to 8.1.n, which separate the respective associated tankdischarge line 8.1.1* to 8.1.n* from the mentioned discharge lines8.1.1** to 8.1.n**.

When the plant periphery is configured accordingly and thetime-scheduled production flow schema allow to do so this pipe cleaningR1 can be carried out traverse by traverse after each filling andemptying operation or once a day by fully clocking all discharge lines8.1.1 to 8.1.n along with the traverses 9.1.1 to 9.1.n in each cleaningphase of the tank and pipe line system.

For example, the cleaning procedure for the traverse 9.1.3 is asfollows:

The cleansing agent R is fed to the site through the cleaning pipe line4 in the path of the pipe cleaning R1. It passes into the portion of thedischarge line 8.1.3** via the first valve 7.1.1.3 and, thence, into thedischarge line 8.1.3 via the second valve 7.2.1.3 and, finally, flowsinto the traverse 9.1.3 in order to get into the line 4 from this pointthrough the valve V₅₃ of the valve block VB and to leave the illustratedpiping system subsequently via a second pump 14.

The lines 10.1 to 10.3 which cross the traverses 9.1.1 to 9.1.n+1 areadapted to be cleaned via pipe cleaning devices R2 which are acted on bythe supply of cleansing agent R via a second pipe cleaning feed line 5.2and optionally by an actuation of valves which are not referred to indetail. During this pipe cleaning R2, the cleansing agent exits thepiping system through the pipe cleaning discharge line 12. A lock-upvalve 15 allows to effect the tank and traverse cleaning R1 via thecleaning pipe line 4 with no need for this line between the tank 1.1 andthe second pump 14 to be flown through by the cleansing agent R as well.

The cleaning of the fourth line 10.4 (pipe cleaning R2) which opens outinto the discharge pipe line 3 through a first pump 13 is effected byadmitting a cleansing agent R through a first pipe cleaning feed line5.1. On its route into the fourth line 10.4, the cleansing agent Rinitially passes through a second valve V₄₀₁ preceding the valve matrixand, subsequently, through a preceding first valve V₄₀.

What can be deduced from the foregoing concise instructions for cleaningthe piping and tank farm system is that an arrangement of a multiplicityof valves and additional pipe line portion permits to cleansubstantially all areas of the interconnected piping system.

However, the piping system of a known type illustrated in FIG. 1 alsoresults in regions of non-expelled product within the valve block VB. Anon-expelled product P will be washed out during the cleaning whichfollows and, hence, constitutes a loss of product via the first fillingpipe line. Referring to the aforementioned filling of the tank 1.2 withwort WZ via the first filling pipe line 2.1, a brief indication is toshow what the mentioned loss of product is in this definite case. Ifexpulsion water W is introduced in the path of the expulsion device A1via the expulsion pipe line 6 it is possible to expel that wort WZ,which has built up in the discharge lines 8.1.2** and 8.1.2 and in thetraverse 9.1.2 which joins it and accumulates up to a valve V₄₂, intothe tank 1.2. The volume contained in the traverse 9.1.2 in the regionbetween valves V₄₂ and V₅₂ as well as the volume contained in the pipeline 10.1 in the area between V12 and V16 cannot be captured through theaforementioned expulsion device A1 via the expulsion pipe line 6. Thus,the wort WZ is lost in those pipe line areas.

This loss in the aforementioned line portions which are in communicationwith the first filling pipe line 2.1 can admittedly be diminished byextra installation expenditure which makes possible a so-called“counter-expulsion”. However, such a measure mostly is worthwhile onlyfor very long lines within the valve block VB.

In addition, further measures are known which are apt to further reducethe loss of product. One of such measures consists in expelling theproduct from the lines in question by means of a so-called “pipe circuitexpulsion”, which does not produce any appreciable “dead ends” in thepiping system. In any case, the “counter-expulsion” or “pipe circuitexpulsion” will necessitate a significant installation expenditure. Suchsolutions involve that the traverses of the valve block VB and thedischarge lines leading away from the tanks are always cleaned in a purecleaning procedure which is independent on tank cleaning. To avoidrestrictions in time because the discharge line is occupied by tankcleaning the tank cleaning return line is directly connected to the tankand does not use the discharge line.

The assembly to realize the aforementioned “pipe circuit expulsion” issubjected to certain restrictions because the pipe circuit on the valveblock VB can presently be used for one cleaning operation only.Restrictions can only be avoided by a well-timed production managementor by the installation of a further pipe circuit.

As a conclusion, let us give a summary of the essential drawbacks whichare inherent to all tank farm systems which work in a fixedly pipedinterconnection with valve blocks VB in which a multiplicity of valvesare disposed in the form of a matrix:

-   -   The branching points of such valves are followed by pipe line        portions from which the product P usually cannot be expelled        (example: a portion of the discharge line 8.1.2**; a portion of        the first line 10.1 adjacent to V₁₂ to V₁₆; the traverse 9.1.2        adjacent to V₄₂ to V₅₂).    -   A non-defined mix of various products P (WZ, H, J) and expulsion        water W will often form in the so-called “dead ends”.    -   The non-expelled product P will turn into a loss during the        succeeding cleaning procedure at the latest.    -   Non-defined product mixes cause negative burdens on the desired        product P that depend on their compositions, because        non-controlled processes might run. Such processes can lead to        an undesirable growth of germs.    -   Increases in temperature, e.g. as a result of hot cleaning        operations, cause an environment in the traverses of the valve        block that encourages an undesirable growth of germs.    -   Specifically in horizontally disposed valve blocks and in case        of long lines, the product P contained therein is not involved        in the treatment process in the tank. Thus, no exchange of        substance or merely a low exchange will take place in the pipe        line portions in question.    -   Avoiding areas of a non-expelled product P in the classical        valve matrixes discussed above, diminishing losses of product,        and allowing those areas to be separately cleaned even if the        tank is full requires a very large expenditure in the periphery        of the valve matrix that cannot be realized in most cases for        reasons of economy and leads to difficult-to-survey piping        systems which necessitate a lot of maintenance. For these        reasons, when the problems are tackled in practice, compromising        solutions are found that exhibit more or less pronounced        restrictions.    -   The air which has entered the tank discharge line and the        discharge line joining it in conjunction with the traverse        during tank cleaning prevents the piping system from being        properly cleaned.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide a method for operating tankfarm systems in a fixedly piped interconnection with piping systems forliquids, which poses high microbiological quality requirements andenables the device for its implementation to be configured easier thanare comparable known devices.

The inventive idea reflects itself in a tank farm system comprising atleast one tank to which liquids are fed from the piping system, in whichliquids from the tank are discharged into the piping system, and inwhich the supply of the liquids into and the delivery of the liquidsfrom the respective tank is effected from bottom. The crux of theinvention is that the liquids to be fed or discharged flow through aspace in a direct communication with the respective tank volume belowthe respective tank and that the liquid concerned in this space isseparable optionally, switchably and in a mix-proof manner from thepipelines of said piping system led to said space, in a direct vicinityof its inner bordering.

The feed of all functional lines directly to a space below therespective tank that is in a direct communication with the tank volumeavoids all of the drawbacks mentioned in connection with the state ofthe art. Line ends containing non-expelled substance will not be formedin a discharge line leading away from the tank. The pipe lines which areseparable optionally, switchably and in a mix-proof manner from thespace in a direct vicinity of its inner bordering may be expelled intothe tank by means of counter-expulsion so as to reduce the losses ofproduct to a minimum or avoid them completely. The liquid in the spaceis in a vivid exchange of substance with the tank volume; so thatnon-controlled processes cannot run there. A significant heat-up of theliquid disposed in the space below the tank because of hot cleaning ofthe functional lines connected to this space does not take place becausethe vivid exchange of substance existing between the tank volume and thevolume of the space provides for a dissipation of the heat that ispossibly produced.

The process, if implemented, presupposes a tank farm system whichcomprises at least one tank in an interconnection with a piping systemcomprising at least one pipe line. Features of the device which aresubstantial to the invention are a valve manifold tree each opening outin the lower tank bottom of the respective tank which preferably isformed as an elongate hollow body that is oriented substantiallyperpendicular, and has connection apertures for joining its interior toeach of the pipe lines, and a valve configured to be mix-proof in itsrespective seat area that is disposed in each connection between thepipe line and the connection aperture associated therewith and switchesthis connection in a close vicinity of the hollow body.

The elongate hollow body quasi functions as an extremely short tankdischarge line. It enables the pipe lines connected thereto to beoptionally and switchably disconnected by appropriate valves configuredto be mix-proof in a direct vicinity of its inner bordering. This doesnot form any line ends with non-expelled products. The product from thepipe line length facing away from the junction point behind therespective valve may be shifted into the hollow body and, hence, intothe tank joining it directly, by means of a “counter-expulsion”. Theproposed assembly saves space, is cost-effective, is easily surveyed,and requires little maintenance. Its low installation expenditure andeasy-to-survey arrangement makes the proposed device less susceptible todefects.

Since the bottom of the respective tank is tapered downwards, as a rule,the hollow body is disposed at the lowest point of the respective tankbottom. If the tank bottom shape is designed to be axially symmetricalto the longitudinal axis of the tank, which is the case for most tankshapes applied in practice, the longitudinal axis of the hollow body isdisposed coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the tank. The design ofthe hollow body proves to be particularly simple if it is configured asa cylindrical tube as is continually proposed.

The hollow body can be completely emptied and smoothly cleaned when itslowermost end facing away from the tank bottom is joined to a cleaningpipe line.

The pipe line path of the piping system for a plurality of tanks willbecome particularly simple and easily surveyable if as a first proposalprovides a first set of pipe lines and a second set of pipe lines arearranged by pairs each in a respective row-shaped relationship amongsteach other on opposed sides of the hollow body in two planes parallel toeach other and to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body and are ledpast said hollow body. An arrangement of this type will be beneficialwhenever the tanks are disposed by rows.

If a case occurs where the tanks are disposed in the form of arectangular matrix, for example, another proposal provides that thefirst set of pipe lines and the second set of pipe lines are disposed bypairs each amongst each other on opposed sides of the hollow body inplanes parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the hollowbody and, while crossing each other at an angle of 90 degrees, are ledpast the hollow body. This arrangement makes it possible to pipe a tankin an interconnection within a valve matrix comprising a multiplicity oftanks in both one direction of arrangement and another directionoriented perpendicular thereto in a regular case, extending from theinventive hollow body.

The piping system becomes particularly easy-to-survey and simple,according to another proposal, if the pipe lines are designed each ascontinuous pipe lines associated with all tanks of a tank system in thesame function (filling F; emptying E; tank/pipe cleaning R1, R2).

The optional, switchable, and mix-proof disconnection of the respectivepipe line from the hollow body, according to a first embodiment, iseffected by a so-called double seat valve as has been known, forexample, from U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,106 or DE-U-77 02 634. This doubleseat valve has two closing members which are movable relative to eachother and define a co-called leakage cavity between them that is joinedto the area surrounding the double seat valve via at least onecommunication path. This configuration makes the valve proof againstmixes so that if a defect occurs at one of the two seat seals therespective liquid admittedly flows into the leakage cavity and, thence,into the area surrounding the double seat valve, but is unable to buildup a pressure in the leakage cavity and, as a consequence, may get intothe valve casing portion closed by the other closing member.

A second embodiment of a double seat valve as is described in DE-C-37 01027 provides a closing member formed like a slide valve and displaceablein a translatory motion which, in combination with the valve casing,realizes two sealing points. Those sealing points are disposed seriallyand in planes parallel to each other. The valve has a leakage cavitydisposed on the valve casing end that is joined to the area surroundingthe valve, on one side, and opens out into an interior of the valvebetween the sealing points, on the other, and is closed by the closingmember interacting with the two sealing points when the valve is in theclosing position with respect to the interior. The peculiarity of thevalve further is that the entry of a medium into the leakage cavity fromthe interior, in positions other than the closing position of the valve,is controlled in its action in the same way as in the closing positionby means of an apparatus substituting for the closing member with regardto its interaction with the leakage cavity. The apparatus concerned ispreferably an annular closure element with a passage therein that is ofthe respective shape and dimensions of the closing member with respectto the sealing points and is disposed relatively movably towards theclosing member in the direction of the freedom degree of motion thereof.This double seat valve can be designed to be switchable with no leakage,the two sealing points can be realized by two discrete seals disposed onthe valve casing, and the leakage cavity can be joined to the areasurrounding the valve in a very simple manner and can be sized in spacevery generously, if required. The valve is of a relatively simplestructure and the seat area may be led up to the interior of themanifold tree at an extremely short distance.

A third embodiment provides that the respective pipe line be blockedfrom the interior of the hollow body via a so-called double-actionsealing valve. Such a double-action sealing valve, as far as the designis concerned in its seat area, is fitted with a single closing memberwhich has two seat seals spaced apart in the direction of lift betweenwhich an annularly circumferential leakage cavity is disposed which isjoined to the area surrounding the double seat valve via at least onecommunication path. This double-action sealing valve is mix-proof aswell because also here if a sealing defect occurs on one of the two seatseals the liquid getting into the leakage cavity through this sealingpoint will be diverted into the area surrounding the double-actionsealing valve and cannot build up on the other seal under a pressure orpossibly penetrate into the adjoining valve casing portion (DE-C-35 16128).

According to a further proposal, the drive of the two aforementionedmix-proof valve types (U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,106 and DE-U-77 02 634 orDE-C-37 01 027; DE-C-35 16 128) is given a design such as to enable themto be subjected to a seat cleaning via partial lifting motions of theirrespective closing members (first-type or second-type double seatvalves) or its one closing member (DE-C-35 16 128). This makes itpossible to subject the mix-proof valves of the aforementioned typedisposed on the inventive manifold tree not only to a cleaning of theirleakage cavity in both the closing and opening positions (double seatvalve) or a cleaning of the leakage cavity that is limited to theclosing position (double-action sealing valve), but also to a seatcleaning of the one sealing point if the respective other sealing pointremains in the closing position. Thus, the proposed device allows tocarry out all of the currently common valve cleaning procedures in theseat area of the valve as are also common for conventional valve blockshaving the aforementioned double seat and double-action sealing valves.

Finally, a separation of the pipe line concerned from the inventivehollow body may also be effected via a so-called disc valve which isformed with two seals spaced apart from the sealing circumference of thedisc-shaped closing member between which an annularly circumferentialleakage cavity is disposed which is joined to the area surrounding thedisc valve via at least one communication path. The fundamental designof such a disc valve configured to be mix-proof is known from DE-A-22 29978, for example. A disc valve of this type allows to clean the leakagecavity in the closing position.

To avoid losses of product to a very large extent in the inventivedevice, another proposal provides that a valve assembly, which is knownper sé, be provided at each near-the-tank end of the pipe lines disposedon the hollow body, for an expulsion of product from the pipe lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the device for implementing the method of the inventionare illustrated in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 and will be described below withregard to their construction and function. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a prior art tank farm system;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a row-shaped array of three tanks ofa tank farm system which are fitted with the inventive device in apreferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the array of FIG. 2 includingfive tanks in a fixedly piped interconnection with four pipe lines(functional lines) where the valves on the respective manifold tree areconfigured as so-called double-action sealing valves;

FIG. 4 also in a schematic representation, shows the array of FIG. 3where the different possible ways of expulsion are illustrated by way ofexample;

FIG. 4 a in the form of a section, shows a schematic representation of afurther embodiment of the valve assembly of FIG. 4 for the expulsion ofa product from the pipe lines in the region of the last tank where thedouble-action sealing valves employed in this region match those in theregion of the valve manifold trees;

FIG. 5 show a schematic representation of another embodiment of theproposed device of FIG. 3 where the mix-proof valves disposed on therespective valve manifold trees are configured in the form of so-calledfirst-type double seat valves;

FIG. 5 a in the form of a section, shows a schematic representation of afurther embodiment of the valve assembly, which is modified with respectto the assembly of FIG. 5, for an expulsion from the pipe lines in theregion of the last tank where the double seat valves employed in thisregion match those in the region of the valve manifold trees; and

FIG. 6 shows a median section through a manifold tree which is fittedwith second-type double seat valves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention maybe embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein a specific preferred embodiment of theinvention. This description is an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theparticular embodiment illustrated

FIG. 2 shows a tank farm system 1 which comprises three tanks 1.1, 1.2,and 1.3 in a row-shaped array. Each tank bottom 1.1 a, 1.2 a, 1.3 a ofeach respective tank 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, at its lower end, opens out into avalve manifold tree B1, B2, B3 which is preferably formed as an elongatehollow body B1 a, B2 a, B3 a in the form of a cylindrical tube. Thelongitudinal axis of the hollow body B1 a, B2 a, B3 a is orientedperpendicularly and coaxially with the longitudinal axis of therespective tank 1.1 to 1.3. The lowermost end of the respective hollowbody B1 a to B3 a that faces away from the tank bottom 1.1 a to 1.3 ahas disposed thereon a cleaning pipe line 4 which continuously joins allhollow bodies B1 a to B3 a to each other. A first set of pipe lines inwhich pipe lines 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 are disposed in a row-line manneramongst each other and in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe hollow body B1 a to B3 a are led past the latter one at a distanceas short as possible. In the same manner, a second set of pipe linescomprising pipe lines 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 are disposed on the hollow bodyB1 a to B3 a, i.e. in such a way that their plane of arrangement extendsin parallel with the plane of arrangement of the first set of pipe lines2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and on that side of the hollow body B1 a to B3 a whichfaces away from the latter set. Here, all of the pipe lines 2.1 to 3.3are continuously led past the hollow bodies B1 a to B3 a and areoptionally and switchably joined each to the respective interior of thehollow body B1 a to B3 a via a mix-proof design valve V_(C), V_(R),V_(R*) or V_(S).

The inventive device is further explained in FIG. 3 by means of fivetanks which, for example, function as fermentation tanks. The fifth tankfollowing the tanks 1.1 to 1.4 is designated by 1.n here. This generaldesignation is intended to express that the inventive device proposedmay also cover a larger number of tanks. In the embodiment, each valvemanifold tree B1 to Bn has provided thereon four mix-proof double-actionsealing valves V_(C) (e.g. tank 1.1: V_(C1.1.1), V_(C1.1.2), V_(C1.1.3);V_(C1.1.4)) with the double-action sealing valve V_(C1.1.4) toV_(C1.n.4) provided each at the lower end of the valve manifold tree B1to Bn joining the cleaning pipe line 4 to each of the valve manifoldtrees B1 to Bn. The cleaning pipe line 4 is supplied with expulsionwater W via a second expulsion pipe line 6.2 in the course of a secondexpulsion device A2 and its other end has located thereon the secondpump 14 which carries away the cleansing agent R resulting from tankcleaning R1 and the expulsion water W resulting from the expulsiondevice A2. The respective tanks 1.1 to 1.n in question are supplied withwort WZ, for example, via the first filling pipe line 2.1 in the courseof the first filling F1. For this purpose, the pipe line 2.1 isoptionally and switchably joined to the associated valve manifold treeB1 to Bn via a double-action sealing valve V_(C1.1.2) to V_(C1.n.2). Thepipe line 2.1 terminates in a valve assembly designated by AV forexpulsion from the pipe lines. To this end, the pipe line 2.1 is carriedaway into the area surrounding the piping system initially via a lock-upvalve having three casing connections V₃ and, subsequently, via doubleseat valves V_(D3) and V_(D4) and the pipe cleaning discharge line 12joining it. A first emptying procedure E1 is accomplished via a firstemptying pipe line 3.1. For example, this may apply to new beer J whichis led to the pipe line 3.1 from the respective tank 1.1 to 1.n on apath via the associated valve manifold tree B1 to Bn and the respectivedouble-action sealing valve V_(C1.1.3) to V_(C1.n.3) and is routed awayinto the following area through the first pump 13. At the other end, theline 3.1 also terminates in the valve assembly AV for an expulsion fromthe pipe line wherein a double seat valve V_(D4) and, subsequently, adouble seat valve V_(D2) (not designated) are provided, in the presentcase and the latter one can be fed with cleansing agent R via the firstpipe cleaning feed line 5.1 for the purpose of pipe cleaning.

Accordingly, the second emptying procedure presents itself in the sameway. For example, a withdrawal of yeast H* is concerned here. To thisend, a second emptying pipe line 3.2 is provided, with a third pump 16which may be optionally and switchably be connected to the associatedvalve manifold tree B1 to Bn via a double-action sealing valveV_(C1.1.1) to V_(C1.n.1) each. Likewise, the pipe line 3.2 terminates inthe valve assembly AV on the other side; it is joined, in the presentcase, via double seat valves VD4 and VD2, to the second pipe cleaningfeed line 5.2 to which cleansing agent R may be fed in the case of pipecleaning 2. For an expulsion A1 from pipe lines 2.1, 3.1, and 3.2, afirst expulsion pipe line 6.1 is provided via which expulsion water Wmay be fed to the piping system.

The inventive device as is represented in FIGS. 2 and 3 provides a gainof space which is not insignificant as compared to devices designedaccording to the state of the art. For example, brewhouses employcylinder conical tanks 1.1 to 1.n which usually make their tank bottoms1.1 a to 1.na project through a ceiling or are mounted on a framework sothat the inventive device proposed may be smoothly arranged below thetank outlet. The respective tank 1.1 to 1.b including the associatedmanifold tree B1 to Bn may be completely emptied through the cleaningpipe line 4 which runs at the lower end of the valve manifold trees B1to Bn and functions as a tank discharge line. If the tank 1.1 to 1.n isfilled the valve manifold tree B1 to Bn virtually constitutes a tankbottom extension in which an exchange of substances may take place byconvection, on one hand, and in which additionally a heat-up caused bythe cleaning of the functional lines 2.1 to 3.3 disposed at the sides ofthe valve manifold beam B1 to Bn does not occur, on the other. Forexample, this avoids the germ-multiplying environment in the tank 1.1 to1.n. Moreover, in a fermentation tank, the point of largest yeastaccumulation with its germicidal effect is just located in the lowerregion of the tank bottom 1.1 a to 1.na (tank cone).

FIG. 4, by way of example, explicates the co-called expulsionmanagement, if product is to be expelled from the second pipe line 3.2through which yeast H* was withdrawn from one of the tanks 1.1 to 1.nbefore expulsion water W is fed via the expulsion pipe line 6.1 on apath through the double seat valve V_(D4). The expulsion water W willnow displace the yeast H* located in the line 3.2 completely on a paththrough the third pump 16 until it reaches its destination. It can berealized that no “dead line ends” exist and, consequently, that thiswill minimize the loss of product as far as this is possible at all.

For example, if the tank 1.2 is intended to be filled with wort WZ viathe first filling pipe line 2.1 in the course of the filling procedureF1 the double-action sealing valve V_(C1.2.2) is opened for thispurpose. The wort WZ flows to the tank 1.2 while the pipe line 2.1located downstream of the double-action sealing valve V_(C1.2.2) in thedirection of flow will also be filled with wort WZ. This line sectionmay be emptied, subsequent to the filling of the tank 1.2, via aso-called “counter-expulsion” A1, which has its outset in the valveassembly AV because of a supply of expulsion water W via the firstexpulsion pipe line 6.1. After the lock-up valve 15 is closed the wortWZ contained in the pipe line 2.1 will be expelled to flow into the tank1.2 with nearly no loss via the double-action sealing valve V_(C1.2.2).

FIG. 4 a shows the valve assembly AV for expulsion from the pipe linesif the double-action sealing valves V_(C) which are used in the area ofthe valve manifold trees B1 to Bn are employed also there. It can berecognized that each of the pipe lines 2.1, 3.1, and 3.2, on a way viaan associated double-action sealing valve V_(C), terminates in an endportion of the of tank cleaning discharge line 12.1 or the first orsecond pipe cleaning feed line 5.1, 5.2 for pipe cleaning R2 for thesupply and discharge of the cleaning agent R, on one hand, and isjoined, on the other, to a fourth or third or first expulsion pipe line6.4, 6.3, and 6.1, respectively.

FIG. 5 elucidates the inventive device if so-called first-type doubleseat valves V_(R) or second-type V_(R*) are employed in lieu of thedouble-action sealing valves V_(C) used in FIG. 4. With regard to thedesignations chosen, the representation merely makes reference to thefirst-type double seat valve V_(R). Neither the differences between thetwo embodiments V_(R) and V_(R*) nor the differences between the latterones, on one hand, and the double-action sealing valve V_(C), on theother, have an impact on the fundamental structure of the inventivedevice. Differences, if any, only consist in the increased degree ofsafety that this type of mix-proof valve V_(R), V_(R*) provides over adouble-action sealing valve V_(C). In addition, the leakage cavity ofsuch double-action sealing valves V_(R), V_(R*) can be cleaned not onlyin the closing position, but also the opening position of the valve.

FIG. 5 a shows that also the valve assembly AV for expulsion from thepipe lines can be continuously configured with the previously describedfirst-type double seat valves V_(R) the prototype of which has beenknown from the U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,106, for example, or that second-typevalve V_(R*) the prototype of which is described in DE-C-37 01 027.

A definite configuration of a manifold tree B1 to Bn with second-typedouble seat valves V_(R*) (DE-C-37 01 027) is shown in FIG. 6. Theelongate hollow body B1 a to Bna is connected to a tank outlet 24 of thetank bottom 1.1 a to 1.na and extends perpendicularly downwards. Thehollow body B1 a to Bna is branched into the pipe lines 2.1 to 2.3, 3.1to 3.3 via connections 17 and into the pipe line 4 at the lower end.Each of the connections 17 has disposed thereon a second-type doubleseat valve V_(R*) which has a slide valve type closing member 18 and aslide valve type closure element with a passage 19 therein. On the valvecasing end, first and second sealing points 20 and 21 are provided at aspacing from each other which, when the double seat valve is in theclosing position that is shown each, interact with the closing member 18and, when it is in the opening position, interact with the passage 19therein. A leakage cavity 22 formed between the sealing points 20, 21 onthe valve casing end is joined to the area surrounding the valve todischarge any leaking substances that might arise. It can be seen thatthe configuration of the double seat valve V_(R*) makes it readilypossible, with thee valve in its closing position, to ensure a nearlyflush closure of the interior of the hollow body B1 a to Bna by thefront-end face of the closing member 18 facing the latter.

REFERENCE NUMBERS OF ABBREVIATIONS USED FIG. 1 (Background Art)

-   1 Tank farm system-   1.1 to 1.n Tank-   1.i One of tanks 1.1 to 1.n-   2.1 First filling pipe line-   2.2 Second filling pipe line-   3 Discharging pipe line-   4 Cleaning pipe line-   5.1 First pipe cleaning feed line-   5.2 Second pipe cleaning feed line-   6 Expulsion pipe line-   7.1.1.1 to 7.1.1.1 First valve-   7.2.1.1 to 7.2.1.1n Second valve-   8.1.1 to 8.1.n Discharge line-   8.1.1* to 8.1.n* Tank discharge line-   8.1.1** to 8.1.n** Portion of discharge line-   9.1.1 to 9.1.n+1 Traverse-   10.1 First line-   10.2 Second line-   10.3 Third line-   10.4 Fourth line-   11.1.1 to 11.1.n Tank cleaning feed line-   12 Pipe cleaning discharge line-   13 First pump-   14 Second pump-   15 Lock-up valve-   a Traverse spacing-   A1 Expulsion device-   E1, E2 Emptying 1 (new beer J), emptying 2 (yeast expulsion H*)-   F1, F2 Filling 1 (wort WZ), filling 2 (yeast H)-   H Yeast-   H* Yeast expulsion-   J New beer-   P Product in general-   R Cleansing agent-   R1 Tank cleaning/Pipe cleaning-   R2 Pipe cleaning-   VB Valve block-   V₁₁ to V₅₆ Valves in valve matrix of valve block-   V₄₀ First valve associated with valve matrix-   V₄₀₁ Second valve associated with valve matrix-   W Expulsion water-   WZ Wort

FIGS. 2 to 6 (Designations in Addition to Those of FIG. 1)

-   1.1 a to 1.na Tank bottom-   1.i.a One of tank bottoms 1.1 a to 1.na-   2.1, 2.2, . . . , 2.n First set of pipe lines (Filling F; Emptying    E)-   2.i One of pipe lines from first set-   3.1, 3.2, . . . , 3.n Second set of pipe lines (Filling F; Emptying    E)-   3.i One of pipe lines from second set-   3.1 First emptying pipe line-   3.2 Second emptying pipe line-   6.1 First expulsion pipe line-   6.2 Second expulsion pipe line-   6.3 Third expulsion pipe line-   6.4 Fourth expulsion pipe line-   12.1 End portion of tank cleaning discharge line-   16 Third pump-   17 Connection aperture-   18 Closing member-   19 Closure element with internal passage-   20 First sealing point-   21 Second sealing point-   22 Leakage cavity-   23 Leakage discharge line-   24 Tank outlet-   A1 to A4 Expulsion device-   AV Valve assembly for expulsion of pipe lines-   B1 to Bn Valve manifold tree-   Bi One of manifold trees B1 to Bn-   B1 a to Bna Hollow body-   Bia Hollow body B1 a to Bna associated with tank 1.i-   E Emptying in general-   F Filling in general-   V_(C) Double-action sealing valve-   V_(C1.1.1) to V_(C1.n.1) Double-action sealing valve in pipe line    3.2-   V_(C1.1.2) to V_(C1.n.2) Double-action sealing valve in pipe line    2.1-   V_(C1.1.2) to V_(C1.n.3) Double-action sealing valve in pipe line    3.1-   V_(C1.1.2) to V_(C1.n.4) Double-action sealing valve in pipe line 4-   V_(R) Double seat valve, first type-   V_(R*) Double seat valve, second type-   V_(S) Disc valve-   V_(D2) Double seat valve having two casing connections-   V₃ Lock-up valve having three casing connections-   V_(D3) Double seat valve having three casing connections-   V_(D4) Double seat valve having four casing connections

The above Examples and disclosure are intended to be illustrative andnot exhaustive. These examples and description will suggest manyvariations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. Allthese alternative and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the attached claims. Those familiar with the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein whichequivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

1. A method for operating tank farm system having a fixed pipedinterconnection with a piping system for liquids wherein: the tank farmsystem comprises one or more tanks in fluidic communication with thepiping system, one or more liquids are fed from at least two pipe linesof the piping system into the one or more tanks one or more liquids aredischarged from the one or more tanks into at least one pipe line of thepiping system the one or more liquids are both discharged from and fedto the the one or more tanks through an aperture located at the bottomof the one or more tanks, the liquids being fed or discharged flowthrough a hollow body in fluidic communication with a tank and which ispositioned below the aperture at the bottom of the tank, and any liquidin said hollow body is optionally and switchably separable in amix-proof manner from any of the pipe lines of said piping system.
 2. Adevice for managing fluids in a tank farm system having a fixed pipedinterconnection with a piping system comprising: at least one tank atleast one piping system comprising at least two pipe lines, at least onevalve manifold tree in fluidic communication with an opening located atthe bottom of the at least one tank and having at least one valve,wherein: the valve manifold tree comprises an interior defining anelongate hollow body that is oriented to be substantially perpendicularto at least one pipe line, the valve manifold tree has at least twoconnection apertures joining its hollow interior to at least two of theat least two pipe lines, and the at least one valve of the valvemanifold tree is constructed and arranged to be optionally mix-proofwith regards to any contents of the pipe lines and the associatedconnection apertures, and at least one valve of the valve manifold treeswitches which if any of the at least two pipe lines are in free fluidiccommunication with the hollow body.
 3. The device according to claim 2,characterized in that the hollow body is disposed at the lowest point ofthe respective tank bottom.
 4. The device according to claim 3,characterized in that the hollow body has a longitudinal axis which isdisposed coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the tank.
 5. The deviceaccording to claim 2, characterized in that the hollow body is formed asa cylindrical tube.
 6. The device according to claim 2, characterized inthat the lowermost end of the hollow body that faces away from the tankbottom is joined to a pipe line cleaning device.
 7. The device accordingto claim 2, characterized in that a first set of pipe lines and a secondset of pipe lines are arranged in pairs each pair in a row-shapedrelationship each amongst each other, on opposed sides of the hollowbody, in two planes parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axisof the hollow body and are led along said body.
 8. The device accordingto claim 6, characterized in that the piping system further comprises afirst set of pipe lines and a second set of pipe lines the first andsecond set of pipe lines are arranged in pairs each amongst each other,on opposed sides of the hollow body, in two planes parallel to eachother and to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body and, whilecrossing each other at an angle of 90 degrees, are led past the hollowbody.
 9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that saidpipe lines are constructed and arranged in sealable fluidiccommunication with every tank of a tank farm system and performs thesame function for every tank said function being one selected from thelist consisting of: filling the tank, emptying the tank, cleaning thetank, and any combination thereof.
 10. The device according to claim 9,characterized in that there are at least two tanks wherein said tanksare in one arrangement selected from the list consisting of: arow-shaped arrangement and a matrix-shaped arrangement.
 11. The deviceaccording to claim 2, characterized in that at least one valve is formedas a double seat valve with two closing members movable with respect toeach other that define a leakage cavity between themselves which isjoined to the area surrounding the double seat valve via at least onecommunication path.
 12. The device according to claim 2, characterizedin that at least one valve is formed as a double seat valve with a slidevalve like closing member and a slide valve like closure element havingan inside passage which are formed to be movable with respect to eachother, that said closing member and said closure element, each incommunication with the valve casing, form two sealing points which aredisposed serially and in planes parallel to each other, including aleakage cavity which is disposed on the valve casing end, is joined tothe area surrounding the valve, on one hand, and opens into an interiorof the valve between the sealing points, on the other, that when thevalve is in its closing position the leakage cavity is closed withrespect to the interior of the valve by the closing member interactingwith the two sealing points, and that the entry of media into theleakage cavity from the interior, in positions other than the closingposition of the valve, is controlled in its action in the same way as inthe closing position by the closure element having an inside passagethat acts as a substitute of the closing member with regard to itsinteraction with the leakage cavity.
 13. The device according to claim2, characterized in that at least one valve is formed as a double-actionsealing valve with two seat sealings spaced apart on a closing member inthe direction of lift between which an annularly circumferential leakagecavity is disposed which is joined to the area surrounding thedouble-action sealing valve via at least one communication path.
 14. Thedevice according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least onevalve is subjected to a seat cleaning procedure by partial liftingmotions of its one or more closing members.
 15. The device according toclaim 2, characterized in that said valve is formed as a disc valve witha disk shaped closing member and with two seals spaced apart at asealing circumference of the disc-shaped closing member between which anannularly circumferential leakage cavity is disposed which is joined tothe area surrounding the disc valve via at least one communication path.16. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that a valveassembly is provided at each near-the-tank end of the pipe line forexpulsion from the pipe lines.